June 2016 magazine

Everything You Need To Know About Background
Checks and Pre-Employment Screening
Is There A Way To Do a Self Background Check?
(Continued From Previous Page)
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers Self Check, a free background check
service. This tool helps you ensure that your background report will not prevent you from a potential
job opportunity. Under the FCRA, every person is also entitled to one free credit report every year. It
is extremely important to check your yearly credit report and your credit score regularly. Changes in
your credit report or score could mean that your identity has been stolen.
Where Does the Information In a Background Check Come From?
Some of the information can be accessed via public record. Arrest records and convictions, as well as
the sex offender registry are all public record. Court records and bankruptcies are also public record.
A criminal rap sheet is not public record and requires permission to access. Consumer reports, medical
records, military service, and certain educational records are all confidential. Background checks can
also provide information taken via social media. Employers will often check candidates social media as
a first step in the screening process. It’s important to note that employers conducting their own
investigation into social media do not fall under the FCRA. Be careful what you put online and avoid
uploading information that could hurt your chances with a future employer.
What To Do When a Background Check Has Incorrect Information?
Luckily, the FCRA protects us from incorrect information. Employers who choose not to hire because
of something on someone’s background report must first tell the potential employee why and provide
them with the report. The job applicant then has the opportunity to dispute the information included
in the background check. If there is an issue in the consumer reports, you must file a complaint with
the consumer reporting agency that has the incorrect information. The consumer reporting agency will
investigate and correct any inaccuracies.
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